Open burning ban in effect for Knox County

Due to severe drought conditions, Knox County Air Quality Management issued a mandatory immediate ban on open burning in Knox County Tuesday.

This ban includes people holding open burn permits, who are asked to postpone burning until further notice. New applications for permits have been suspended until the ban is lifted.

The ban includes campfires, bonfires and any other type of outdoor open burning.

"We sincerely appreciate the public's cooperation during this ban, which will remain in effect as long as conditions are unsafe for burning," AQM Director Lynne Liddington said in a statement. "We will notify the community as soon as we're able to lift the ban."

People may call 865-215-5900 or email health@knoxcounty.org with any questions about the open burning ban. AQM is a division of the Knox County Health Department.